[Evaluation of the current research structures in trauma surgery : A survey of the scientific committee of the German Society for Trauma Surgery].

Background: To improve research in orthopedics and traumatology (O&T) in Germany, the implementation of comprehensive research collaborations and enhanced communication pathways among different institutions are necessary. This survey was initiated to collect data regarding the current research structures in O&T.

Material and methods: A subject-specific questionnaire was sent via email to collect data regarding demographics, on-going and past research activities and the funding. Naming of current and future research topics and problems regarding realization of projects were determined. All results were submitted electronically, anonymously and voluntarily.

Results: Of 229 participants, 83% worked as clinicians and 59.6% of the participants were working in departments with joint structures (O&T). Industry and universities were found to be the essential funding sources. Future research topics tend to concentrate on digital health issues (artificial intelligence, big data, 3D-printing). Resource scarcity in time and staff as well as administrative barriers but also insufficient funding were identified as major impediments of research activity.

Conclusion: Future research development in O&T will cause an expansion of techniques and methods. At the same time aggravated personnel, financial, administrative and legal framework conditions can only be managed with an intensively increased effort. Cooperation projects and collaborative research structures might be a solution to these challenges.